Design Optimization of Heat Pump Impellers for Sustainable Refrigerants
Thesis Description
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Sustainable Heating
Heating and cooling represent nearly half of Europe’s energy consumption, with a significant portion still reliant on fossil fuels. To meet climate targets, we urgently need innovative and sustainable solutions — and large-scale heat pumps (HPs) are a vital part of the transition.
This thesis offers an opportunity to actively contribute to the advancement of high-efficiency heat pumps that use environmentally friendly refrigerants like isobutane and CO₂. Your work will play a key role in improving the reliability of simulation models by comparing them with experimental data gathered in future testing.
The project begins with a literature review, followed by the 1D design of the heat pump impeller. Several impeller configurations will be evaluated across different refrigerants to identify key performance drivers. A design loop involving 3D simulations in ANSYS will guide the selection of optimal geometries.
You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary and inclusive team from academia and industry, gaining hands-on experience in an applied research project that contributes directly to the decarbonization of energy systems. The work will culminate in a technical report (in English) and a final seminar presentation at KTH.
Prerequisites
To be applicable, the student should have adequate knowledge of fluid mechanics (KTH course SG1220 or corresponding). Turbomachinery courses like MJ2523 have strong merits.
Time Plan
January 2026 – June 2026 (can be discussed)
Proposed Time Schedule
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